Writing can be such a lonely endeavor. We spend hours in front of the computer, shutting out the world so we can write. Often we think we’re on our own–that it’s all up to us.
But there is strength in numbers. Healthy relationships and connections can help us, not only with writing, but with finding our path, marketing, and chances for success.
In my latest book, Dragon of the Stars, Aden Pendar is a driven man. The son of a Duke, he’s determined to command his own ship. He has all the qualities of a leader save one–he doesn’t connect well with others.
Over the course of the story, he learns that he does need others to succeed. He needs the assistance of his crew to find the ship that will save their people. Respect and loyalty doesn’t come without effort, and he must care about the men and women who serve under him. As he learns this, Aden discovers devotion and friendship in the process.
We writers are in a similar place. We need the support of others. We need their wisdom, guidance, and encouragement. Our work will succeed with the help of critique partners, key connections, and those willing to share the marketing load.
And one of the best places to find that is through the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!
Dragon of the Stars
By Alex J. Cavanaugh
Science Fiction – Space Opera/Adventure/Military
The ship of legends…
The future is set for Lt. Commander Aden Pendar, son of a Hyrathian Duke. Poised to secure his own command and marriage to the queen’s daughter, he’ll stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
But when the Alliance denies Hyrath’s claim on the planet of Kavil and declares war on their world, Aden finds his plans in disarray. Entrenched in battle and told he won’t make captain, Aden’s world begins to collapse. How will he salvage his career and future during Hyrath’s darkest hour?
One chance remains–the Dragon. Lost many years prior, the legendary ship’s unique weapon is Hyrath’s only hope. Can Aden find the Dragon, save his people, and prove he’s capable of commanding his own ship?
Purchase:
Amazon – Barnes and Noble – ITunes – Kobo – Amazon UK – Amazon print – Overdrive – Goodreads
http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/
http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh
(A big thanks to Alex for his amazing supportive work over the blogsphere. You truly are an inspiration! --Lynda)
The Dragon of the Stars sounds SO awesome!! Working well with others and asking them for support is definitely a smart move. I think it's the only way for any of us to succeed. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lexa!
DeleteSpecial thanks to you, Lynda, for letting me take over your blog on IWSG day.
ReplyDeleteAnytime!! I'm thrilled to be able to return the support you've given me over the years. And on top of that I love your books!
DeleteWe can't do it alone indeed, although a cat sitting on the keyboard isn't overly helpful lol
ReplyDeleteDarn that cat, getting fur all over your keyboard.
DeleteI have a picture of my cat sitting on my hubby's arm while he's trying to use the mouse... lol.
DeleteMy cat was my editor for many years.
DeleteHe was terrible at it. Probably why I got so many rejection letters.
Did you tell your cat he was terrible at editing? Because that might've been bad for his self-image ;)
DeleteSo true Alex -- and congrats again!
ReplyDeleteAnd one again, Alex, you've provided the encouragement I needed.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
You're welcome and good to hear!
DeleteYeh for Alex and for the IWSG! :)
ReplyDeleteThe character development for Aden sounds interesting. So true that connection is what we all seek, but some of us have more success at finding it than others.
ReplyDeleteWriting can be a lonely endeavor, but that's why we connect with IWSG! :) Such great encouragement.
ReplyDeleteYou are so RIGHT, Alex.
ReplyDeleteWe do need the encouragement and support of our community! And thankfully we have this community because, I for one, have always felt blessed from my blogger friends for their support, love, and faith in me and my writing.
Thanks, Lynda for featuring Alex today!
Michael, I feel just as blessed!
DeleteAlex! Nice post. I love it when characters are "challenged" in away we can relate to. I mean, who wants to be social? ;)
ReplyDeleteYeah, who wants to?
DeleteWell I might. A little. Guess that's what comes of being shut in with a baby, eh?
DeleteThat's why I grabbed on to the group so tightly. It's been nothing but goodness and light. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from Elements of Writing
That's good to hear!
DeleteI agree so much. That's why I'm going to my writers' meeting this Saturday even though I have so much work to do I should stay home.
ReplyDeleteWe need that support system, now more than ever. The days of the lonely writer, cut of from the world, are gone.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful how supportive the writing community is. I would never have gotten as far as I have without that community. I hope I can give back as much as it has given me.
ReplyDeleteLori, I think you are doing that.
DeleteThis sounds like such a good read! I love the online writing community. It's so much easier to connect with other writers these days!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great read!
DeleteI've often thought I'd make an excellent hermit, but the online relationships I've formed with other writers have shown me how very much I need other people.
ReplyDeleteI think we all do, whether we'll admit it or not.
DeleteI love my online connection with writers! It helps to have support.
ReplyDeleteYou've really hit something home with me here, Alex. When I began writing, I realized I knew nothing about the industry. Thus I needed to learn from those who've gone before me. I began blogging. I've connected with some amazing people - you being one - and have found heartfelt guidance. I found some success. And then a few failures. Those were okay. But then one failure tore me to shreds and I found myself backing away from those supportive connections. Not sure if it was shame, embarrassment, or whatever. I only recently realized this and have vowed to reconnect with those who've grown to mean so much to me. I really do need them. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's when we are in a dark place that we most need to reach out to others. We can't let the devil pull us away from those who can help.
DeleteWonderfully said, Alex. I'm afraid of asking others for help, but if I want to be an author, I need to learn to ask for help when I need it. It doesn't help that I'm an introvert. I wish Dragon of the Stars tons of success.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Murees!
DeleteI couldn't agree more! Thanks for creating the IWSG Alex!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is so honest and true. I don't know if I'd still be writing and blogging if I hadn't found a group to connect with. I'm grateful for the IWSG.
ReplyDeleteWonderfully said, Toinette!
DeleteI agree!
DeleteWell done, Alex! I like how you used "Dragon of the Stars" to illustrate your point. If you've read DOTS and followed Aden's personal development to its unforgettable conclusion, you really get the analogy. The IWGS is a wonderful community! Thanks for hosting Alex today, Lynda!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Fundy!
DeleteAlex, I'm almost finished with Dragon of the Stars and loving the character arc. Review coming soon!
ReplyDeleteStephen, thanks - awesome!
DeleteWonderful post, Alex! IWSG has been such a great and supportive community, esp in times when I'm lost and stopped believing in myself. I don't know if I'd still be typing away if I hadn't found you guys when I did. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteCaffe, that's good to hear.
DeleteAlex's book is really good. I enjoyed it. Writing can be lonely. It's good we have blog buddies and support groups.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sherry!
DeleteIt's awesome that you understand internal conflict is as important as external. Now if I can only get my comment to take. 5th try...
ReplyDeleteSher, it worked!
Deletesounds like blogger is acting up again...sigh
DeleteWe all need help at one time or another. And we all learn from helping others.
ReplyDeleteDragon of the Stars! Sounds fantastic. I must break my sci-fi drought and read it Alex! And yes, writing is a lonely endeavour. Hemingway said that writers should write alone and not share their work until it was, well, er, perfect. I'm a bit of a loner so that suits me, lol!
ReplyDeleteDenise :-)
My IWSG post on Mindfulness
I'd never share my first draft... the very thought of showing a first draft to anyone makes me shudder, lol.
DeleteAlex, I appreciate the parallels between his life as a writer and the character in his book. What's great about being a writer since the Internet is that we can connect with other writers easier than ever before. Such a supportive community.
ReplyDeleteThe internet has really opened everything up for me. I have friends across the world.
DeleteWonderful guest post. I used to think I didn't need anyone--especially since I had no clue how to go about getting help--but things didn't start happening for me until I received the support of other writers.
ReplyDeleteThat support really does make a difference.
DeleteThank you Alex and Lynda for this insightful post!
ReplyDeleteAlex thank you for this whole Insecure Writer's support group. It has meant a lot to me. I'm still trying to find my around all this.
ReplyDeleteSheila, I like to hear that!
DeleteI love the name of your character. Aden Pendar. That's just cool!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol!
DeleteAlex is a light to so many writers and Dragon on the Stars is a great adventure.
ReplyDeleteTruedessa, I appreciate that.
Deleteoops...Dragon of the Stars...hey a Dragon could be on the stars as well...I wonder which stars he would land on?
Deletethe brightest :)
DeleteThere is definitely strengths in numbers. Great post. =)
ReplyDeleteGreat character profile and book summary.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the writing journey is less lonely when you have positive companions.
It certainly helps. And thanks!
DeleteOf course, you are the master of connections and helping other writers, Alex ;-)
ReplyDeleteSo true
DeleteIt takes a collaboration to get good work out in the world. Without supporting cast members, the one actor play gets pretty boring. You are a shining example of supporting and encouraging others!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dean! And it would be rather boring.
DeleteEvery author I know, no matter how introverted or extroverted, is an Insecure Writer. LOL This group is awesome. Thanks, Alex.
ReplyDeleteEliza, glad you enjoy it!
DeleteWell said, Alex. We need each other! Always!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all that you do!
Hi Lynda!
Heather
Heather, you rock!
DeleteHi Heather. Thanks for popping in.
DeleteAlex--you do such a terrific job, too, of creating that supportive community for writers. Definitely appreciate you!!!
ReplyDeleteHe does. He is one of the best examples of how to be supportive in the community.
DeleteAppreciate you, Hart!
DeleteAden sounds like a wonderful character, Alex. I haven't read the book yet. It's on my list. I'm thrilled by your success. Very inspiring to do you're doing so well.
ReplyDeleteNo worries - I have a lot of books on my list.
DeleteI wholeheartedly agree with this need to connect to others. Especially other authors. Its something I am craving right now. What a timely post for me. :)
ReplyDeleteRaquel, that's good to hear.
DeleteThat is cool, Alex, how your book paralleled that supportive friend theme, and how we need that as writers. We certainly do! Congrats on your book, and best wishes for it!
ReplyDeleteHe's clever like that :)
DeleteI agree - friends are crucial to a writer's sustenance and success. Thanks for sharing your insight, Alex. Lynda, thanks for hosting! Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteCarol and Karen, thanks!
ReplyDeleteSometimes support is all we need, Alex.
ReplyDeleteHi Lynda.
Hi Blue
DeleteWanna play a game? It's called find yourself... You know where, and I've seen that ninja before. I think I saw him riding his favorite pet.... Where? Oh you know where.
DeleteI didn't know you could... fly.
DeleteAs I said before, you're awesome, Blue.
DeleteI agree - IWSG (and blogging in general) help me feel I'm part of a group of writers, not someone who is working alone.
ReplyDeleteAmen to support from fellow writers. Definitely makes the journey more enjoyable:)
ReplyDeleteSuch wise words. Thanks for the reminder, Alex. Just made an appointment to meet up with a writing pal next week as I've been going stir crazy - couped up with just my laptop for the past 3 weeks. I also believe that we should all remember those people who've supported, mentored and helped us along our life journey. Sometimes, once success has been achieved, people can forget (or even ignore) the ones that helped them get there. Such a shame. I'm grateful for all the people in my life (past and present) and know I could not be the person I am today without them having played a part (good and bad). Really pleased to know Aden wakes up and sees sense. Thanks for the great post, Lynda. All the best to both of you.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the great comment!! Remembering the people who have helped us is crucial.
DeleteNicola, I will never forget those that helped me! I wouldn't be where I am now if they hadn't.
DeleteYou are so right, Lynda. No one, least of all writers, lives in a vaccuum. People need people. Love the idea of Aden demonstrating this universal theme. Writers needing other writers. Gosh! I know I do. Thanks for sharing this with your readers.
ReplyDeleteI don't know anyone who doesn't need other people, or does well in complete isolation.
Delete